Palace Pier in Brighton. Photo courtesy of Peter Trimming via wikimedia.
On the south coast of England, basking in its picturesque Georgian architecture and sparkling seaside is Brighton. Just over an hour from London by train, Brighton is a magnet for those city-dwellers seeking a glimpse of the sea. It’s also a bit of a cultural hub, home to universities, artists, writers and good theatres, music and clubs.
Brighton has always attracted creativity, you have only to visit the famous Royal Pavilion to see just how far the imagination can fly when money is no object. Built between1787-1823, by King George IV before he was king, this is a fantasy gone mad. It’s a must-see, from the exterior domes to the lush interiors of the banqueting and music rooms to the royal bedrooms. Between the railway station and the Royal Pavilion is the area called North Laines and here you’ll find funky independent boutiques and cafes which bustles with streetlife on the weekends.
On your way down from the station you’ll pass the pub with the famous Banksy graffiti of two policemen kissing. Between the station and the seafront, is a network of narrow streets called The Lanes. The quaint shops, restaurants and pubs here are worth exploring. The seafront is long and worthy of walking, but stick to the paths because the beach is what the English called shingle and I call small rocks: not great for a stroll. And bring a coat because Brighton gets the brunt of the wind off the ocean. No matter the weather though, you have to take a stroll along the pleasure pier with its rides and sideshow games. And, of course, eating fish and chips and mushy peas at the seashore is a must.
Brighton is an accessible day trip from London.
